Implantable medical device responsive to MRI induced capture threshold changes

ABSTRACT

Energy delivered from an implantable medical device to stimulate tissue within a patient&#39;s body is controlled. An electrical signal used to stimulate the tissue is changed from a first energy state to a second energy state during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The energy delivered is maintained at the second energy state after the MRI scan. A capture threshold of the tissue is then measured, and the energy delivered to the tissue is adjusted based on the measured capture threshold of the tissue.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/102,027, filed Oct. 2, 2008, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to implantable medical devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to implantable medical devices that detect and compensate for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) induced capture threshold changes.

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging method that utilizes nuclear magnetic resonance techniques to render images within a patient's body. Typically, MRI systems employ the use of a magnetic coil having a magnetic field strength of between about 0.2 to 3.0 Tesla. During the procedure, the body tissue is also briefly exposed to radio frequency (RF) pulses of electromagnetic energy. The relaxation of proton spins following cessation of the RF pulses can be used to image the body tissue.

During imaging, the electromagnetic radiation produced by the MRI system can be picked up by implantable device leads used in implantable medical devices such as pacemakers or cardiac defibrillators. This energy may be transferred through the lead to the electrode in contact with the tissue, which can cause elevated temperatures at the point of contact. The degree of tissue heating is typically related to factors such as the length of the lead, the conductivity or impedance of the lead, and the surface area of the lead electrodes. The effectiveness of implanted cardiac management devices may be compromised by the heating of cardiac tissue at the lead/heart interface. For example, pacemakers deliver low energy pace pulses that cause the heart to initiate a beat. The minimum voltage of those pace pulses that results in a response from the heart is known as the capture threshold. The capture threshold may increase as a result of localized heating of the lead due to the MRI RF field. Consequently, with an elevated capture threshold for the cardiac tissue, the implantable medical device may not deliver a pulse of sufficient voltage to generate a desired response in the tissue (i.e., loss of capture).

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present invention relates to controlling energy delivered from an implantable medical device to stimulate tissue within a patient's body. An electrical signal used to stimulate the tissue is changed from a first energy state to a second energy state during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The energy delivered is maintained at the second energy state after the MRI scan. A capture threshold of the tissue is then measured, and the energy delivered to the tissue is adjusted based on the measured capture threshold of the tissue.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to controlling energy delivered from an implantable medical device to stimulate tissue. Energy having a first energy state is delivered to stimulate the tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan fields (e.g., magnetic and/or electromagnetic fields) are detected, and the energy delivered is increased from the first energy state to a second energy state. The energy delivered is maintained at the second energy state after the MRI scan fields are no longer detected. A capture threshold of the tissue is then measured, and the energy delivered by the implantable medical device is adjusted, if necessary, based on the measured capture threshold of the tissue.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to an implantable medical device including an electrode configured to contact tissue in a body vessel and a lead having a lead conductor connected to the electrode. Sensing circuitry receives signals through the lead based on electrical activity of the tissue, and therapy circuitry delivers electrical stimulation to the tissue through the lead. Magnetic field detection circuitry detects magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan fields. Control circuitry is operable to set a level of energy delivered by the therapy circuitry to stimulate the tissue to an MRI mode energy state when the magnetic detection circuitry detects the MRI scan fields. After the magnetic field detection circuitry no longer detects the MRI scan fields, the control circuitry adjusts the level of energy delivered based on a capture threshold of the tissue periodically measured by the sensing circuitry.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a cardiac rhythm management system including a pulse generator coupled to a lead deployed in a patient's heart.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an implantable medical device configured to detect and compensate for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) induced capture threshold changes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an external device operable to communicate with the implantable medical device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a process for compensating for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) induced capture threshold changes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cardiac rhythm management system 10 including an implantable medical device (IMD) 12 with a lead 14 having a proximal end 16 and a distal end 18. In one embodiment, the IMD 12 includes a pulse generator. The IMD 12 can be implanted subcutaneously within the body, typically at a location such as in the patient's chest or abdomen, although other implantation locations are possible. The proximal end 16 of the lead 14 can be coupled to or formed integrally with the IMD 12. The distal end 18 of the lead 14, in turn, can be implanted at a desired location in or near the heart 20. The system 10 may also include one or more external devices 19 (e.g., a computing device and/or programming device), which may communicate with the IMD 12 from outside of the patient's body wirelessly.

As shown in FIG. 1, distal portions of lead 14 are disposed in a patient's heart 20, which includes a right atrium 22, a right ventricle 24, a left atrium 26, and a left ventricle 28. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the distal end 18 of the lead 14 is transvenously guided through the right atrium 22, through the coronary sinus ostium 29, and into a branch of the coronary sinus 31 or the great cardiac vein 33. The illustrated position of the lead 14 can be used for sensing or for delivering pacing and/or defibrillation energy to the left side of the heart 20, or to treat arrhythmias or other cardiac disorders requiring therapy delivered to the left side of the heart 20. Additionally, while the lead 14 is shown disposed in the left ventricle 28 of the heart, the lead 14 can alternatively be used to provide treatment in other regions of the heart 20 (e.g., the right ventricle 24).

Although the illustrative embodiment depicts only a single lead 14 inserted into the patient's heart 20, it should be understood that multiple leads can be utilized so as to electrically stimulate other areas of the heart 20. In some embodiments, for example, the distal end of a second lead (not shown) may be implanted in the right atrium 22. In addition, or in lieu, another lead may be implanted in or near the right side of the heart 20 (e.g., in the coronary veins) to stimulate the right side of the heart 20. Other types of leads such as epicardial leads may also be utilized in addition to, or in lieu of, the lead 14 depicted in FIG. 1.

During operation, the lead 14 can be configured to convey electrical signals between the IMD 12 and the heart 20. For example, in those embodiments where the IMD 12 is a pacemaker, the lead 14 can be utilized to deliver electrical therapeutic stimulus for pacing the heart 20. In those embodiments where the IMD 12 is an implantable cardiac defibrillator, the lead 14 can be utilized to deliver electric shocks to the heart 20 in response to an event such as a heart attack or arrhythmia. In some embodiments, the IMD 12 includes both pacing and defibrillation capabilities.

When the IMD 12 is subjected to a magnetic field from an MRI scanner or other external magnetic source, electromagnetic radiation is delivered to the patient's body that can be picked up by the lead 14 and transferred to one or more lead electrodes 36 in contact with the body tissue. This electromagnetic radiation can cause heating at the interface of the lead electrodes 36 and body tissue. This can affect the capture threshold of the heart 20, which is the stimulus amplitude and/or duration of the electrical signals provided by the IMD 12 to the heart 20 that cause the heart 20 to beat.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the IMD 12 configured to detect and compensate for MRI induced capture threshold changes. The IMD 12 includes an energy storage device 40, a controller 42, a sensing/therapy module 44, a communication module 46, and an MRI detect module 48. The term “module” is not intended to imply any particular structure. Rather, “module” may mean components and circuitry integrated into a single unit as well as individual, discrete components and circuitry that are functionally related. In addition, it should be noted that IMD 12 may include additional functional modules that are operable to perform other functions associated with operation of IMD 12.

The energy storage device 40 operates to provide operating power to the controller 42, the sensing/therapy module 44, the communication module 46, and the MRI detect module 48. The controller 42 operates to control the sensing/therapy module 44, the communication module 46, and the MRI detect module 48, each of which is operatively coupled to and communicates with the controller 42. For example, the controller 42 may command the sensing/therapy module 44 to deliver a desired therapy, such as a pacing or defibrillation stimulus, or to determine the capture threshold of the tissue to which the electrodes 36 are coupled. In addition, the controller 42 may command the communication module 46 to transmit and/or receive data from the external device 19. Furthermore, the controller 42 may receive signals from the MRI detect module 48 indicating the presence or absence of electromagnetic radiation generated by an MRI scan.

The IMD 12 may also include timing circuitry (not shown) which operates to schedule, prompt, and/or activate the IMD 12 to perform various activities. In one embodiment, the timing circuitry is an internal timer or oscillator, while in other embodiments, timing may be performed by specific hardware components that contain hardwired logic for performing the steps, or by any combination of programmed computer components and custom hardware components.

The communication module 46 is configured to both transmit and receive telemetry signals to and from other devices, such as the external device 19. In other embodiments, the IMD 12 includes at least one transducer configured for receiving a telemetry signal and at least one transducer for transmitting a telemetry signal. The communication module 46 may be any type of device capable of sending and/or receiving information via a telemetry signal, including, but not limited to, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, an acoustic transducer, or an inductive transducer.

The sensing/therapy module 44 operates to perform the therapeutic and/or diagnostic functions of the IMD 12. In one embodiment, the sensing/therapy module 44 delivers a cardiac pacing and/or defibrillation stimulus. The sensing/therapy module 44 is not limited to performing any particular type of physiologic measurement or therapy, and may be configured to perform other types of physiologic measurements and therapy, such as neurological measurements and therapy. The sensing/therapy module 44 is also operable to automatically determine the capture threshold of the heart 20 by providing a pacing stimulus to the heart 20 and sensing whether the stimulus results in a contraction of the heart 20. In some embodiments, the sensing/therapy module 44 delivers a sequence of pacing pulses of varying magnitude and/or duration to the heart 20 and senses a response of the tissue to the pacing pulses to determine whether the pulses have a large enough duration and/or magnitude to stimulate the heart 20. One example circuit arrangement that may be included in sensing/therapy module 44 to determine the capture threshold of heart 20 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,092,756, entitled “Autocapture Pacing/Sensing Configuration,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The MRI detect module 48 senses the presence of the magnetic and/or electromagnetic fields associated with an MRI scan. In some embodiments, the MRI detect module 48 includes a power inductor and a core saturation detector. When the power inductor saturates in the presence of an MRI field, the inductance of the power inductor decreases, which is detected by the core saturation detector. One example module having such a configuration that is suitable for use in MRI detect module 48 is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/276,159, entitled “MRI Detector for Implantable Medical Device,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Any type of sensor or device may alternatively or additionally be incorporated into the MRI detect module 48 that is operable to detect the presence of MRI fields. Example sensors or devices that may be included in the MRI detect module 48 include, but are not limited to, a Hall effect sensor, a magnetotransistor, a magnetodiode, a magneto-optical sensor, and/or a giant magnetoresistive sensor.

When the MRI detect module 48 detects the presence of an MRI field, the MRI detect module 48 sends a signal to the controller 42. The controller 42 may then switch operation of the IMD 12 from a normal mode of operation to an MRI mode of operation. Alternatively, the IMD 12 may be programmed to the MRI mode of operation, for example by using the external device 19. The MRI mode of operation may include non-sensing fixed rate bradycardia pacing (described in more detail below), disablement of tachycardia therapy, or any mode of operation that is safe and desirable in a high electromagnetic field environment where sensing of cardiac activity may be compromised.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the external device 19 shown in FIG. 1. The external device 19 includes a communication module 52, a controller 54, an audio/visual user feedback device 56, and an input device 58. In some embodiments, the external device 19 is a device for use by a caregiver for communicating with the IMD 12. The external device 19 may include an interface for connecting to the Internet, to a cell phone, and/or to other wired or wireless means for downloading or uploading information and programs, debugging data, and upgrades.

The communication module 52 for the external device 19 is configured to both transmit and receive signals to and from the IMD 12. In other embodiments, the external device 19 includes at least one transducer configured to receive a signal and at least one transducer for transmitting a signal. The communication module 52 may be any type of device capable of communicating with the communication module 46 of the IMD 12 including, but not limited to, an RF transmitter, an acoustic transducer, or an inductive transducer.

In some embodiments, the controller 54 includes a processor for analyzing, interpreting, and/or processing the received signals, and a memory for storing the processed information and/or commands for use internally. For example, the controller 54 may be used to analyze signals related to the capture threshold of the heart 20 from the IMD 12. The controller 54 can be configured as a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) compatible device such as a CoolRISC processor available from Xemics or other programmable devices, and/or any other hardware components or software modules for processing, analyzing, storing data, and controlling the operation of the external device 19.

The user feedback device 56 may include a screen or display panel for communicating information to the clinician and/or to the patient. In some embodiments, the screen or display panel is configured to display operational information about the IMD 12. For example, the screen or display panel may display visual information indicative of the capture threshold of the heart 20 as received from the IMD 12 for use in assessing whether the active pacing signals are sufficient to stimulate the heart 20.

The input device 58 includes an interface through which a clinician may input information or commands to be executed by the external device 19. In some embodiments, the input device 58 is a keyboard. For example, if information about the capture threshold test conducted by the sensing/therapy module 44 of the IMD 12 is provided on the user feedback device 56, the clinician may provide an input to the external device 19 through the input device 58 to communicate pacing signal configuration information to the IMD 12 based on the information about the capture threshold test.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a process for controlling the IMD 12 during and after an MRI scan to assure that the heart 20 is stimulated by signals provided by the sensing/therapy module 44. The MRI detect module 48 detects the presence of MRI fields. Then, in step 60, the controller 42 changes the stimulation energy provided by the sensing/therapy module 44 from a first, pre-MRI energy state to a second, MRI mode energy state to assure capture of the tissue of the heart 20. In some embodiments, the controller 42 may be programmed to control the sensing/therapy module 44 to provide pacing pulses having a predetermined signal amplitude and/or duration in the presence of an MRI field. In some embodiments, the second energy state has a greater amplitude and/or duration than the first energy state, since the MRI fields can increase the capture threshold of the heart 20. The second energy state may be programmed into the controller 42, or the second energy state may be determined by the sensing/therapy module 44 using capture detection algorithm discussed above. Alternatively, the second energy state may be provided to the IMD 12 via the external device 19.

When the MRI detect module 48 senses the absence of the MRI fields (i.e., when the MRI scan is completed), the MRI detect module 48 sends a signal to the controller 42 to suspend the MRI mode of operation. Alternatively, the controller 42 may suspend the MRI mode of operation after a predetermined period of time (e.g., one hour) based on an anticipated length of the MRI scan. In any case, in step 62, the controller 42 maintains the stimulation energy provided by the sensing/therapy module 44 at the second energy state after the MRI scan. This is because the capture threshold of the heart 20 may remain elevated after the MRI scan, since the tissue of the heart 20 does not immediately recover from the effects of the MRI fields. This assures that proper pacing is maintained while the tissue is residually affected by the MRI scan.

In step 64, the controller 54 then commands the sensing/therapy module 44 to measure the capture threshold of the tissue of the heart 20. As discussed above, the sensing/therapy module 44 may deliver a sequence of pacing pulses of varying magnitude and/or duration to the tissue and sense the response of the tissue to the pacing pulses. The sensing/therapy module 44 may conduct the capture threshold test automatically after a programmed period of time from when the MRI detect module 48 senses that the MRI field is no longer present, or after a programmed period of time independent of when the MRI field was last detected. Alternatively, the sensing/therapy module 44 may conduct the capture threshold test in response to signals from the external device 19. The medical personnel controlling the external device 19 may manually determine the proper capture threshold based on signals generated by the sensing/therapy module 44 during the capture threshold test. If the determination of the capture threshold is not successful, then the sensing/therapy module 44 maintains the stimulation energy at the second energy state.

If the sensing/therapy module 44 determines the capture threshold successfully, then, in step 66, the controller 42 controls the sensing/therapy module 44 to adjust the stimulation energy provided to pace the heart 20 based on the measured capture threshold. This may be performed automatically by the IMD 12 or in response to signals provided by the external device 19. Thus, if the sensing/therapy module 44 determines that the capture threshold has decreased from the second energy state (i.e., the MRI mode stimulation state), the controller 42 reduces the energy state (i.e., the amplitude and/or duration) of the stimulation pulses to correspond to the decreased capture threshold. This assures that the draw on the energy storage device 40 is minimized while at the same time assuring proper energy and pace amplitude is provided to the heart 20 for stimulation.

In some embodiments, steps 64 and 66 are repeated by the IMD 12 until a physiological event occurs. For example, steps 64 and 66 may be periodically or intermittently repeated until the capture threshold returns to the first, pre-MRI stimulation energy state. This assures that the IMD 12 provides proper pacing stimulation until the heart 20 is no longer affected by the MRI fields. As another example, steps 64 and 66 may be repeated until the capture threshold remains steady for a programmed number of capture threshold tests. Thus, even if the capture threshold does not return to the first, pre-MRI stimulation energy state, the IMD 12 operates to provide pacing pulses at a level sufficient to stimulate the tissue.

In summary, the present invention relates to controlling energy delivered from an implantable medical device to stimulate tissue. Energy delivered to stimulate the tissue is changed from a first energy state to a second energy state during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The energy delivered is maintained at the second energy state after the MRI scan. A capture threshold of the tissue is then measured, and the level of energy delivered to the tissue is adjusted based on the measured capture threshold of the tissue. By monitoring the capture threshold after the MRI scan, the implantable medical device delivers a sufficient level of energy to stimulate the tissue when the tissue is residually affected by the MRI scan.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. For example, while the present invention has been described with regard to cardiac pacing, the principles of the present invention are also applicable to other types of systems with stimulation properties that may be altered by MRI fields, such as neurological therapy systems. In addition, while the system described uses electrical signals to stimulate tissue, other types of control agents may be employed to compensate for the effects of the MRI fields on the tissue, such as by chemical stimulation. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof. 

We claim:
 1. A method for controlling energy delivered from an implantable medical device to stimulate body tissue within a patient, the method comprising: changing energy delivered to stimulate the tissue from a first energy state to a second energy state during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan; maintaining the energy delivered at the second energy state after the MRI scan; measuring a capture threshold of the tissue after the maintaining step; and adjusting the energy delivered based on the measured capture threshold of the tissue.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the measuring and adjusting steps are repeated until the energy delivered returns to the first energy state.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the measuring and adjusting steps are repeated until the measured capture threshold remains substantially unchanged for a programmed number of capture threshold measurements.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein measuring the capture threshold of the tissue comprises: delivering a sequence of pacing pulses of varying magnitude to the tissue; and sensing a response of the tissue to the pacing pulses.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein measuring the capture threshold of the tissue comprises: delivering a sequence of pacing pulses of varying duration to the tissue; and sensing a response of the tissue to the pacing pulses.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the measuring and adjusting steps are performed by the implantable medical device.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the measuring and adjusting steps are controlled by an external device in communication with the implantable medical device.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the second energy state has a signal magnitude and/or duration greater than the first energy state.
 9. A method for controlling energy delivered from an implantable medical device to stimulate body tissue within a patient, the method comprising: delivering energy having a first energy level to stimulate the tissue; detecting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan fields; increasing the energy delivered from the first energy level to a second energy level; maintaining the energy delivered at the second energy level after the MRI scan fields are no longer detected; measuring a capture threshold of the tissue after the maintaining step; and adjusting the energy delivered by the implantable medical device based on the measured capture threshold of the tissue.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the measuring and adjusting steps are repeated until the level of energy delivered by the implantable medical device is returned to the first energy level.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein measuring the capture threshold of the tissue comprises: delivering a sequence of pacing pulses of varying magnitude to the tissue; and sensing a response of the tissue to the pacing pulses.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the measuring and adjusting steps are performed by the implantable medical device.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the measuring and adjusting steps are controlled by an external device in communication with the implantable medical device. 